Published Oct 10, 2017
Sunnysandy
34 Posts
A novice question, i know.
Obviously i need a for dummies explanation.
Thanks in advance!
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
I always thought that a caseload of 20 meant that the nurse was responsible for the administrative requirements for 20 patients.
So im guessing this is different than nurse/patient ratio which is usually 1:4. Can't imagine anything such as 1:20 or 1:70 (as some say they have case load of 70).
Any knowledge that can be shared would be SOO greatly appreciated!
oceangirl1234
120 Posts
The average floor nurse does not have a caseload. But some nurses who are involved with services such as home care may say they have a caseload. This is more realistic because they are not doing full patient care for 30-70 patients in one shift....that's unheard of (except for long term care nurses).
Makes sense. So when i see nurses talking about caseloads here...perhaps the are case management nurses?
PixieRN1
183 Posts
That would be my assumption. I've only ever heard case managers use the term caseload in 15 years...but it would make sense for administrative nurses and perhaps home health, like the previous poster said.